Wild Whatcom
Wild Whatcom is a Bellingham, Washington-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers outdoor education programs for youth (preschool through grade 12), adults, and underserved communities across Whatcom County through school district and community partnerships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersBellingham, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Wild Whatcom does
Wild Whatcom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit outdoor education organization headquartered at 1015 Girard St., Bellingham, Washington, founded informally in 2004 and formally incorporated as a nonprofit in 2011. The organization delivers nature-based programming across three product lines: youth programs (Explorers Club cohort mentorship for grades 2-12, Neighborhood Nature after-school program for grades K-5, Summer Camps for grades 1-8, Nature Preschool at the Chuckanut Center for ages 3-5, and the Wayfinder high school program); drop-in community programs (BIPOC Walks, Wild Things, Wonder Walks, Out and About, Ladies Night Out, and Community Field Trips) targeting inclusive access; and partner programs (EdVentures, SEED for students with disabilities, School Field Trips, and Custom Outings) delivered through contractual relationships with five school districts and community organizations such as Opportunity Council and Lydia Place. The organization served more than 3,000 participants and delivered 50,000+ nature hours in fiscal year 2023-24.
The underlying technology footprint is modest: registration and membership management run on Regpacks, recurring donor processing is automated through Givebutter, and the curriculum itself (more than 30 guiding mottos, knife and firecraft safety protocols, a Pacific Northwest layering methodology) constitutes the proprietary intellectual capital. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, combining seasonal online registration with partnerships, earned media coverage, school district contracts, and recurring fundraising events such as the Birds of a Feather Bash, Nature Trivia nights with Kulshan Brewing, and the Wildly Funny improv fundraiser with The Upfront Theatre. Approximately 75% of annual income is generated through fee-based program revenue, with the remainder sourced from individual donations (including the "Understory" monthly recurring program), foundation grants (Cambia Health, Whatcom Community Foundation, Jordan Fund, Haggen, Superfeet, North Sound ACH, Norcliffe), employer matching platforms (Benevity, WA State Combined Fund Drive), and shop-and-give programs (1% for the Planet, Fred Meyer Rewards). A $35 non-refundable registration fee applies to most programs, and over $90,000 in youth scholarships was disbursed in 2023-24 to remove participation barriers.
Customer segments span three primary cohorts: youth and children ages 3-18 (the largest served segment), school districts and educational institutions (Bellingham, Mount Baker, Blaine, Nooksack Valley), and underserved communities reached through grant-funded or subsidized programs (Title 1 classrooms, students with disabilities, BIPOC residents, LGBTQ+ adults, adults with mobility limitations, and low-income families). The organization is led by Executive Director Sammy Jolly (promoted from Program Director in 2023), Operations Director Rachel Budelsky, and a distributed staff of fewer than 50 personnel, with no parent company, subsidiaries, or institutional investors. Operating geographies are limited to Whatcom County, Washington.
Wild Whatcom firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Wild Whatcom
- Legal name
- Wild Whatcom
- Website
- https://wildwhatcom.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Wild Whatcom is a Bellingham, Washington-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers outdoor education programs for youth (preschool through grade 12), adults, and underserved communities across Whatcom County through school district and community partnerships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Wild Whatcom industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Outdoor Education
- NAICS
- Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning) (THAAAOAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Youth Adventure Camps & Summer Programs (THAAAOAB), Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO)
Keywords
Where Wild Whatcom is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bellingham
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Wild Whatcom business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Program Fees: Fee-based revenue from youth programs (Explorers Club, Summer Camps, Nature Preschool, Neighborhood Nature) and some community programs. Approximately 75% of annual income generated through fee-based revenue.
- Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals through website, mail, and Givebutter platform. Monthly recurring donor program called 'The Understory' accepts monthly or quarterly automated gifts.
- The Understory Recurring Donations: Monthly or quarterly recurring donor community offering quarterly updates and 'Understories' stories from the field. Automated processing through Givebutter accepting credit/debit, PayPal, Venmo, bank transfers, and mobile wallets.
- Business Partnerships: Funding partnerships through event or campaign sponsorships including Winter Appeal, Spring Fundraising Event, and partner events. In-kind partnerships contribute goods, services or discounts.
- Foundation Grants: Grant funding from foundations and government agencies including Cambia Health Foundation, The Dudley Foundation, Jordan Fund, Whatcom Community Foundation, and others to support programs and scholarships.
- Stock Transfers and IRA Contributions: Tax-efficient giving options including direct stock transfers and IRA Charitable Rollover for individuals age 70½ or older (up to $100,000 tax-free).
- Vehicle Donations: Vehicle donation program allowing donors to transform old cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, or boats into tax-deductible donations with free pickup.
- Employer Matching: Donation matching through WA State Combined Fund Drive and Benevity platform, enabling employees to double their gifts.
- Shop and Give Programs: Retail rewards programs including 1% for the Planet and Fred Meyer Rewards where donors select Wild Whatcom as their charity of choice.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Non-refundable registration fee |
| Subscription | Monthly | Nature Preschool tuition |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Explorers Club season payment |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Birds of a Feather Bash VIP Ticket |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Birds of a Feather Bash General Admission |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Summer Camp refunds |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Neighborhood Nature refunds |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Wild Whatcom product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Wild Whatcom delivers fee-based and free outdoor education and nature-connection programs for youth (preschool through grade 12), adults, families, schools, and underserved communities across Whatcom County, Washington. Offerings span youth cohort mentorship, summer camps, nature preschool, after-school nature clubs, identity-based community walks, and partnered school programming. Operations are nonprofit (501(c)(3)) and funded primarily through program fees (~75% of income) supplemented by donations, grants, and fundraising events.
Product overview
Wild Whatcom is a nonprofit outdoor education organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of nature connection programs. The portfolio includes youth programs (Explorers Club, Neighborhood Nature, Summer Camps, Nature Preschool, Preschool Summer Camps, and Wayfinder high school program) focused on building wilderness skills, naturalist knowledge, and environmental stewardship in children grades K-12; community programs (BIPOC Walks, Community Field Trips, Ladies Night Out, Wild Things, Wonder Walks, and Out and About) providing inclusive outdoor experiences for adults and families; and partner programs (EdVentures, SEED, School Field Trips, and Custom Outings) serving schools and community organizations across Whatcom County. Programs emphasize hands-on outdoor learning, environmental education, and building connections between people and nature, with significant scholarship support to remove financial barriers to participation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Explorers Club Cohort-style youth mentorship program offered on weekend days during the school year for grades 2-12. Participants are matched with grade-level peers and stay with the same group from elementary through middle school, building wilderness skills, naturalist knowledge, and community across elementary, middle, and high school years.
- Neighborhood Nature After-school program for grades K-5 offering weekly sessions during fall, winter, and spring to explore nearby nature in children's own neighborhoods through hands-on outdoor activities.
- Summer Camps Five-day summer camps teaching wilderness skills including carving, fire-making, navigation, and tracking to children in grades 1-8. Camps run at outdoor locations throughout Whatcom County, Washington, with a registration window opening in February.
- Nature Preschool Nature-based preschool for potty-trained children ages 3-5, with Monday/Tuesday/Thursday and/or Friday morning sessions at the Chuckanut Center, focused on connecting young children with the natural environment through outdoor exploration.
- Preschool Summer Camps Four-day, half-day summer camps for children ages 3-5 that introduce birds, mammals, and beach ecology through age-appropriate outdoor activities at Whatcom County locations.
- Wayfinder High school program layered on the Explorers Club structure that continues outdoor-skills development, nature connection, and leadership training for older youth up through grade 12.
- BIPOC Walks Free monthly outdoor event for Black, Indigenous, and people of color and their families, designed to build community while spending time outdoors in Bellingham. All ages are welcome.
- Community Field Trips Drop-in, donation-based seasonal adventures around the Bellingham area for all ages, providing guided nature exploration experiences.
- Ladies Night Out Drop-in, donation-based outings held each full moon around the Bellingham area for women ages 18+ who identify as LGBTQ friendly, focused on community building through evening nature walks.
- Wild Things Drop-in, donation-based weekly outings held on Friday and/or Saturday mornings in local parks for children ages 0-6 and their accompanying adult(s), exploring nature through a young child's eyes.
- Wonder Walks Drop-in, donation-based weekly explorations for adults 18+, including those with mobility limitations or those hoping to move slowly, on low-barrier trails in the Bellingham area (on hiatus December through March).
- Out and About Drop-in, donation-based monthly outings around Whatcom County for queer folks and allies ages 18+, offering queer-led, inclusive outdoor experiences that foster community and connection with nature.
- EdVentures Free fall and spring outdoor-ed outings for Grade 2 Title 1 classrooms in the Bellingham, Mount Baker, Blaine, and Nooksack Valley School Districts, providing hands-on outdoor learning for qualifying students.
- SEED (Student Environmental Education & Discovery) Partnered program with school districts that delivers meaningful outdoor experiences to K-12 students with disabilities who otherwise rarely have opportunities to use nature-based experiences as a tool for growth and development.
- School Field Trips Hands-on outdoor learning field trips for public, private, and homeschooled students, available as pre-designed or custom outings aligned with educational standards.
- Custom Outings Grant-funded or subsidized customized outdoor experiences for community partners such as Opportunity Council and Lydia Place, serving specific community groups facing barriers to outdoor access.
Quantifiable outcome
- 50,000+ nature hours provided annually to youth, families, and classrooms
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Wild Whatcom
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Wild Whatcom technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Wild Whatcom partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Kulshan BrewingflagshipPour It Forward Nature Trivia fundraising events, business partner supporting scholarships and free programs.
- MicrosoftcoreFunding business partner supporting programs and scholarships.
- Sardis Raptor CenterminorProvides owl encounter for Birds of a Feather Bash fundraiser, wildlife education integration.
- Washington Trails AssociationflagshipTrail work parties and service learning for Wayfinder program. WTA highlighted Wild Whatcom's mindfulness practices incorporated into volunteer work parties.
- The Upfront TheatreflagshipWildly Funny improv fundraiser show benefiting youth scholarships. All ages show with proceeds supporting scholarship program.
- Bellingham School DistrictflagshipEdVentures, SEED, and school field trip programs serving public, private, and homeschooled students.
- Mount Baker School DistrictflagshipConnections Program reaching nearly all elementary students with outdoor education aligned with classroom science standards.
- Blaine School DistrictflagshipConnections Program partner providing outdoor education to elementary students.
- Nooksack Valley School DistrictcoreEdVentures program for Grade 2 Title 1 classrooms.
- Chuckanut CentercoreLocation partner for Nature Preschool program at the Chuckanut Center.
- Opportunity CouncilcoreCustom Outings program partner serving underserved community members.
- Lydia PlacecoreCustom Outings program partner serving families in housing transition.
- Village Books and Paper DreamsminorIn-kind partner with book wish list for programs.
- Whatcom Land TrustflagshipTree planting partnerships and stewardship on Whatcom Land Trust properties. Collaborated on outdoor education articles.
- WA State Combined Fund DrivecoreEmployer matching program allowing state employees to donate through workplace giving.
- BenevitycoreEmployer matching platform enabling employees to double donations through workplace giving programs.
- 1% for the PlanetminorShop and give program where members donate 1% of sales to Wild Whatcom.
- Fred Meyer RewardsminorCommunity rewards program allowing shoppers to designate Wild Whatcom as charity of choice.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Wild Whatcom competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Outward Bound USA: National nonprofit wilderness adventure education provider serving youth and adults. Broad incumbent operating similar cohort-based outdoor experiential learning but with multi-day expeditions and broader geographic footprint.
- NatureBridge: Multi-site national nonprofit operating residential outdoor science schools in national parks (Olympic, Yosemite, etc.). Broad incumbent with overlapping school partnership and outdoor education model at greater scale and geographic reach.
- YMCA of the USA: National nonprofit offering summer camps, after-school programs, and youth development across the country. Broad incumbent with overlapping youth outdoor programming, scholarship models, and school partnerships.
- REI Co-op (REI Cooperative Action Fund): National outdoor cooperative that runs outdoor education classes and supports nonprofit partners through REI Cooperative Action Fund. Broad incumbent with overlapping outdoor education mission and significant funder influence.
Direct peers
- Teton Science Schools: Wyoming-based nonprofit providing place-based outdoor education, school programs, and graduate programs. Direct peer with similar mix of youth programs, school partnerships, and educator training.
- North Cascades Institute: Mount Vernon, WA nonprofit offering field-based natural and cultural history courses, school programs, and adult education in the North Cascades. Direct peer as a Washington outdoor education nonprofit serving schools and adults with field-based programming.
- Appalachian Mountain Club: Northeast US nonprofit offering outdoor education, guided hikes, and conservation programs for youth and adults. Direct peer in the outdoor education and recreation instruction category with multiple programs serving similar demographics.
- IslandWood: Washington-based nonprofit outdoor education organization offering school programs, summer camps, and graduate-level training. Direct peer because both are PNW nonprofits focused on outdoor learning for youth and educator professional development.
Emerging players
- Boy Scouts of America (Scouts BSA): National youth organization delivering outdoor skills, wilderness education, and cohort-based progression for grades K-12. Comparable cohort-based outdoor skill curriculum and merit badge structure to Wild Whatcom's Explorers Club.
Regional players
- Whatcom Family YMCA: Local Bellingham YMCA affiliate offering summer camps, after-school programs, and youth development. Regional peer providing similar fee-based youth programs in the same Whatcom County geography.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Wild Whatcom social profiles
Digital presenceWild Whatcom financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Wild Whatcom leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Wild Whatcom funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Wild Whatcom M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Wild Whatcom
What does Wild Whatcom do?
Wild Whatcom delivers fee-based and free outdoor education and nature-connection programs for youth (preschool through grade 12), adults, families, schools, and underserved communities across Whatcom County, Washington. Offerings span youth cohort mentorship, summer camps, nature preschool, after-school nature clubs, identity-based community walks, and partnered school programming. Operations are nonprofit (501(c)(3)) and funded primarily through program fees (~75% of income) supplemented by donations, grants, and fundraising events.
Is Wild Whatcom a public or private company?
Wild Whatcom is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Wild Whatcom founded?
Wild Whatcom was founded in 2004. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Wild Whatcom based?
Wild Whatcom is headquartered in Bellingham, United States, in the North America region.
How does Wild Whatcom make money?
Nine revenue lines are on record. Program Fees are the primary driver. The others are individual Donations, the Understory Recurring Donations, business Partnerships, foundation Grants, stock Transfers and IRA Contributions, vehicle Donations, employer Matching and shop and Give Programs.
Who are Wild Whatcom's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Outward Bound USA, NatureBridge, YMCA of the USA and REI Co-op (REI Cooperative Action Fund). Direct peers are Teton Science Schools, North Cascades Institute, Appalachian Mountain Club and IslandWood. Boy Scouts of America (Scouts BSA) is listed as an emerging player. Whatcom Family YMCA is listed as a regional player.
Does Wild Whatcom have an API?
No public API is recorded for Wild Whatcom.
What industry is Wild Whatcom in?
Wild Whatcom's product category is Outdoor Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAOAA, Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning), with a secondary code of THAAAOAB, Youth Adventure Camps & Summer Programs. Its NAICS code is 61162 and its SIC code is 8200.